Collection & Historical Archive

The Triton & Shell collection contains more than 2,500 books and objects from Greece and abroad and continues to grow.

Internationally, it aims to serve as a resource for the study of the history, techniques and artistic applications of paper and the book. Within Greece, one of its central aims is to collect, preserve and bring visibility to the history of industrial papermaking and artistic bookbinding.

The collection and Historical Archive are used for research, exhibitions, publications and educational activities. They continue to grow through acquisitions, donations and transfers of archival material and equipment.

Books & Periodicals

Approximately 1,500 titles: rare editions, technical manuals, catalogues, artists’ publications and archival periodicals relating to the history and techniques of paper, bookbinding, conservation, printing, printmaking, calligraphy and related fields.

Ephemera & Documentary Material

More than 800 items: prints, private and professional correspondence, photographs, postcards, invoices, contracts, paper sample books, brochures, stamps, banknotes and other forms of ephemeral documentation.

Three-Dimensional Objects

More than 200 objects: papermaking moulds and frames, mould-screen components, miniatures and components of papermaking machinery, bookbinding and finishing tools, calligraphy and printmaking tools, moulds for ink sticks, and handmade paper objects.

Thematic Areas

Handmade & Industrial Paper
The history of handmade paper, the emergence and development of industrial papermaking, production techniques, samples and sample books, and the use of paper in contemporary artistic creation.

Bookbinding & Book Arts
The history of traditional and artistic bookbinding, bookbinding techniques, artists’ books and related material.

Paper & Book Conservation
Conservation techniques and materials, historical tools, records relating to conservators and workshops, and the history of the preservation of books and archival materials.

Donors & Contributions

Among the individuals whose archival material, documentation or equipment is represented in the Triton & Shell Archive are:

Bookbinding & Book Arts: Evangelia Biza, Antonis Koutsouradis, John Regan Mitchell, Gerlinde Gerth, Konstantinos Choulis.

Papermaking: Asao Shimura, Drew Matott, Peter & Donna Thomas, Jim Yarnell.

Each donation is recorded and documented and, where necessary, conserved so that it can support future research, exhibitions and educational activities.

Donate Material to the Archive

If you hold archival material, tools or documentation relating to the history and art of paper, bookbinding or conservation and would like it to be preserved and made accessible for future use, please contact us to discuss a possible donation.

Every donation, large or small, can become a valuable link in preserving the history and art of paper and the book.